Gem Peak Lookout was activated in 1921 as a U.S. Forest Service “rag outfit” -- a pole platform tent near an open platform tower and remained that way nearly two decades until an L-4 on a 20 pole tower was built in 1939. In 1964 the present R-6 Flattop cab with catwalk on 30 timber tower was constructed and staffed through the 1970s. It is now one of three rental lookouts on the Cabinet Ranger District.